Device for evaluating the dynamic, mechanical properties of materials

This invention relates to the evaluation of the dynaminc, mechanical properties of materials. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for, and a method of, evaluating the dynamic, mechanical properties of materials. The invention has particular, but not necessarily exclusive, application in the measurement of the dynamic, mechanical properties of materials in the medical field such as, for example, articular cartilage, other tissue, synovial fluid, or the like. A device () for evaluating dynamic, mechanical properties of materials includes an elongate cylindrical housing () projecting from a handle (). The housing () defines a passage (). One end of the passage () is closed off by a plug () with an opposed end of the passage () having an end cap (). A resiliently flexible beam () is arranged in a cantilevered manner in the passage (). A probe () is arranged at a free end of the beam (). A strain gauge array () is mounted on the beam () for monitoring the deflection of the beam () and for generating an output signal representative of the movement of the beam (). A method for evaluating dynamic, mechanical properties of materials is also disclosed.